A place to put my epiphanies
[e·piph·a·ny - n. a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.]

Monday, 21 September 2009

Awesome ultra mountain runner: Kilian Jornet

I recently caught word of an awesome ultra-distance mountain runner, Kilian Jornet. This 21 year old Spanish runner hit the 'mainstream' ultra headlines last year with his win at the gruelling Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (he won it again this year). I know a number of people who have done this race and most, competent and experienced trail runners, have only made it half-way. To win this race is something...

Kilian's background is in ski mountaineering where he has excelled in the Spanish Euorpean and World Championships as a junior. Now a senior, he logs Top 5 placings a Championship events and is currently the European Champ.

He started mountain running in 2005 and notched numerous victories. In 2007 and 2008 he won the Buff Skyrunner World Series. It's hard to believe this guy is only 21!

Last month, Kilian embarked on something called Killian's Quest. This is a year-long tour of some of the biggest trail running challenges in the world. As his first challenge, he ran the GR20 trail on the island of Corsica. The trail traverses the entire island. He took HOURS off the course record.

This month (28 September), he'll line up in Tahoe City to take on the 165 mile (264 kilometre) Tahoe Rim Trail. Trail legend Tim Tweitmeyer holds the current record of just under 46 hours. Current predictions see Kilian going well under this time.

There are some great videos (click on the Video tab) on the Killian's Quest website. Kilian and this endeavour are backed by Salomon.

This is one guy to keep an eye on - wouldn't it be great to see him at Skyrun?